Jeju Haenyeo Culture marks 10th anniversary of UNESCO inscription

A forum was held at the Maison Glad Jeju Hotel on the 18th to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Jeju Haenyeo Culture being inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Under the theme ‘Living Cultural Heritage, Drawing a Sustainable Future,’ the event brought together approximately 200 participants, including active and retired Haenyeo (female divers), international organizations, academics, and industry experts.

Key discussions focused on the economic independence of women, with speakers noting that Jeju Haenyeo have practiced economic autonomy for centuries. UN Tourism highlighted Sehwa Village as a model for sustainable tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. Experts also discussed the role of technology, suggesting that AI should be used as a tool to record and preserve the traditional ecological knowledge of the Haenyeo rather than replace them.

The forum concluded with a symbolic performance where Haenyeo representatives delivered policy agendas and suggestions regarding community preservation and international networking to the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province government.